The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again present a very special event that brings a big smile to the face of some very deserving individuals.  Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Theresa Hulgan tells us more:

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a public charity that was formed in 1991 and is designed to create an environment in which special needs children and their caretakers could benefit by leaving their problems on shore, and sharing a day of fun on the water that they may not otherwise get to experience. 

Again, “C.A.S.T. for Kids on Weiss Lake” – a joyful day of fishing for Special Needs Children –  takes place Saturday (September 15th), at Graves Three Rivers Landing (4305 County Road 63) starting at 8:30am.  Volunteers are still needed to help out with that event – additional boats are needed as well

To find out more, contact the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce by calling (256) 927-8455 or visit https://castforkids.org/

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts three programs: C.A.S.T. for Kids, Fishing Kids, and Take a Warrior Fishing.

C.A.S.T. for Kids Program:  Children with special needs (ages 6-18) and their caretakers come together with community volunteers for a fun day of fishing they may not otherwise experience. These events provide a refreshing break from their daily challenges. Spreading a positive message that kids with disabilities can accomplish anything, we include all children, despite their limitations. This is all made possible through national and local sponsors-people who want to make a big difference in the lives of kids with special needs thus strengthening their community.

Fishing Kids Program:  In 1996, it was developed to introduce and engage urban youth in the sport of fishing. The Fishing Kids Program is built around the slogan, “Getting more kids fishing, more often,” and is designed to create and provide more fishing opportunities for urban youth.

We believe every child is worth celebrating, can overcome limitations and have a victorious day.

Through a joyful day of fishing, kids, their families and community volunteers come together for an explosion of fun and inspiration. C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation hosts annual fishing and boating events across America to provide children with special needs a quality outdoor recreational experience.

Participants are hosted at a local lake, or body of water, supplied with a fishing rod & reel, t-shirt, hat, and tackle box, partnered with an experienced volunteer angler and escorted onto a boat where, with the supervision of a parent or guardian, they are shown proper fishing techniques and receive natural resources education.  Participants and volunteers all then return from their morning fishing excursion to a BBQ lunch and an awards ceremony.

Goals of the C.A.S.T. for Kids Program

• Expose children, who may not otherwise get the opportunity, to the sport of fishing and the enjoyment of the outdoors
• Encourage continued participation in fishing by developing skills in the children along with their parents
• We spread a positive message that all kids are capable despite disabilities. We include all children and give them the opportunity to feel like any other kid.
• Provide education and understanding to children about fish as a natural resource
• Strengthens local communities through a positive relational experience between local groups, parents and kids